It can be hard to distinguish the pain in your lower legs from shin splints and muscle soreness. If you are one of the many unfortunate people to suffer from shin splints then you know exactly how frustrating and debilitating they can be. Shin splints also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) affect many people, especially athletes and more notably runners. It’s reported that MTSS account for roughly thirteen to seventeen percent of total running related injuries. Ballet dancers also have a frequent run in with shin splints as its reported that very nearly 22% deal with the condition. Statistically shin splints are more common in women than men. Click here for my review on how to stop shin splints forever.

Causes of MTSS

The most frequent cause of MTSS is a result of overworking the muscles of the lower extremities (below the waistline). Hurt core muscles and muscle imbalances also can be a major cause of developing shin splints. Momentary bursts in activity intensity can often lead to MTSS and shin splints. This is because the muscles and tendons are unable to absorb the force of impact as they are becoming fatigued. Training, working and running on uneven terrain including inclined and declined roads and treadmills can also be an important trigger to shin splints. Being flat footed and not having proper shoes to correct it can be a cause for getting shin splints. Running on the balls of your feet and with your feet pointing outward are also sure ways to develop this dreaded ailment.

How You Know It’s Shin Splints:

To someone who has often dealt with MTSS it is not hard for them to recognize when they have aggravated the ailment as it begins to show symptoms. For someone who has never experienced shin splints before they may not know why their legs are hurting and why. Recognizing pain as shin splints early in its developing can significantly help cut healing time and more injury such as stress fractures. Shin splint pain is described by most as a recurring dull ache along the lower two thirds of the tibia. Pain can be found in both the front and the back of the shin and is not localized to one specific area. The biggest difference amongst this pain and that of a stress fracture is that stress fracture pain is much more localized to a targeted spot on the lower leg (tibia). A good sign that you indeed do have a stress fracture is if you have pain from just moving your foot and ankle around.

MTSS Treatment:

Traditionally the treatment is ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil). Rest is essential to the healing process and probably the hardest one for people to manage. Most people and especially athletes do not like being inactive so they will try to use pain meds and simply fight through the pain. I have fallen victim to this strategy in the past and believe me it only makes things worse and makes for a longer healing duration. Rest is very important to the healing process and should not be overlooked, you must allow adequate time for your shins to heal. Healing time is varied, a mild case can take up to a couple of weeks to heal whereas a more severe or chronic condition can take as long as 3 months to heal. Shoes with extra shock absorbing soles can help mend shin splints quicker as well as prevent them. Stretching and regular exercises can also be all someone who suffers from MTSS needs in preventing and healing themselves from shin splints. I have had great success with stop shin splints forever, and am very fortunate to no longer need to be taking ibuprofen which is very rough on the stomach. I hope this has given you some insight and tools to self diagnose and heal yourself of this frustrating and debilitating ailment. Go to my homepage for more on the best health products.

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